Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense

C.R. Wannamaker Law

3d

About The Position

Wannamaker Crimmigration, LLC is seeking an entry-level to early-career Associate Attorney to support its Criminal Defense practice. This role is designed for a newly licensed attorney or an attorney with up to two years of experience who is seeking hands-on exposure to criminal defense work. The Associate Attorney will primarily assist senior criminal defense counsel with jail visits, low-level hearings, and routine court appearances. This position is developmental in nature, offering close mentorship and collaboration while building foundational criminal defense skills within a crimmigration-focused practice. Compensation for this role will be at the lower end of the Associate Attorney scale.

Requirements

• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Developing advocacy and courtroom skills with a willingness to learn.
• Interest in criminal defense and crimmigration matters.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Team-oriented with a professional and reliable work ethic.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and/or Google Workspace.
• Able to exercise good judgment
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing with the Texas Bar; New Mexico Bar is a plus.
• No prior experience to two (2) years of criminal defense experience required.
• Admission to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas is a plus or willingness to obtain.
• Demonstrated interest in criminal defense and serving the immigrant communities.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.
• New Mexico Bar is a plus.
• Admission to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas is a plus or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior criminal defense counsel with jail visits, client communications, and case preparation.
• Appear at low-level hearings, docket calls, status conferences, and routine court proceedings under supervision.
• Support misdemeanor and select felony matters in state and federal court.
• Conduct legal research and assist in drafting motions, pleadings, and other legal filings.
• Prepare and file documents using state and federal e-filing systems.
• Assist with plea negotiations and preliminary case matters as directed.
• Collaborate with immigration attorneys on cases involving criminal charges to ensure alignment with immigration strategy.
• Work closely with paralegals and legal assistants to ensure accurate and timely case management.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree